Build up resistance, how to succeed

Atomizers rebuildable , single or double coils, sub ohms, mesh ... are the redundant vocabularies of the modern vaper.

These expressions come out of a spy movie for some while they are a real passion for others. After buying an umpteenth atomizer, the desire to make one's own coils quickly becomes ardent to have more experience, but it is also a question of economy. And new techniques to tinker with its resistance evolve at one of these speeds that we have trouble navigating.

The physical principles come into play quickly (calculation of the yield, verification of the coefficients of resistance and temperature, assimilating the formulas) and sometimes one tends to give up quickly. But do not panic, if you have a real desire to try a new experience of vape, it will be enough to follow some advice that obviously require a particular understanding, but not complicated at all. If you are ready, follow the guide!

Why mount a new resistance?

Before any attempt, it would be better to get in shape to avoid wasting time and money on this quest.

First, you have to have the right reasons! This thought seems useless to me, since you are already determined to do it and you have your own reasons and it is your business. Certainly, but it is clear that many non-initiates embark on reconstruction while they do not know the basics and are overwhelmed.

When should one replace his resistance? The signs are unmistakable

Spotting an atomizer wear is an ambiguous task for those who have just taken the step towards e-cigs. So how do I know if a problem comes from this one? To take a practical step is necessary. What is certain is that a broken resistance always leads to a loss of steam.
Check the operation of the accessory as a whole, whether you have purchased an atomizer or a clearomizer (with a liquid tank). When you turn on the switch, the tip will whistle, and will deliver a small amount of vapes. In this case, it will change the resistance, especially if the taste does not correspond at all to the liquid (we often find a taste of burning).

Check if the problem does not come from a false manipulation

The problems reported by the vapers concerning the resistances are common: it is always a leak (gurgles) or a reflux, and a liquid that does not evaporate. In order not to embark on a hasty disassembly of the accessory , it is first necessary to reconsider. Although the life of an atomizer / clearomizer varies between two and three weeks, it is especially the way of maintaining it (cleaning, dosing ingredients, mounting ...) that lasts. After a while and with the experiment, to detect a problem of coil is done more naturally by stage. It will then be an easy choice to replace it with a new one or to tinker with it yourself. It is from here that the serious things begin!

Resistance, coils, atomizer? What is it about ?

There is so much to know about the functioning of the electronic cigarette that it tends to become a real science! This small concentration of technology alone contains a system evolving at a crazy pace and following the pace is not very easy. Fortunately, with the countless sites and tutorials found on the web, assimilation becomes easy. For short, an e-cigarette works with several elements that are almost universal. Each of them includes: a battery, a tank, a resistance link system or coil, a base, and a mouthpiece also called drip tip .

These bodies are its basis, but it is the personalization of their workings that makes the difference. From the first to the latest generations, manufacturers have added improvements (doubling resistors, adding an air outlet or "airflow", battery settings ...) to perfect the sensations.

But what concerns us is the part that contains the resistance. It is the element that wears out the fastest in an electronic cigarette dedicated to being replaced or rebuilt. Any categories and brands have a resistance system (or coil in English). In its material sense, it is a small wire with variable diameter surrounded by a fiber that is heated by means of the battery. Its position and shape as well as its consistency vary according to the desired vaporization result. Before mounting his new resistance, it is necessary to have some notions.

Resistance in all its states

Resistance is a small room with variable conduction. In physics, it is a magnitude that is represented by the letter "R" and measured in "ohm". In sum, this value defines the opposition of the room to the passage of electric current, like a dam installed at a given point to regulate the flow of a watercourse. The reason for opposing the free flow of a current is simple: each receptacle (lamp, irons, dryers, hair dryer) requires a certain intensity to be able to work properly according to its use. Thus, a resistor is applied in a series circuit for two reasons:

To protect a circuit

If in a normal dipole (a closed circuit connected to a generator which has a positive and negative terminal), no resistance is installed, the receiver receives an unconverted intensity (without dosage) relative to the power of the battery and may be damaged (explosion, cut, ...). It is in this sense that the small circuits on electronic devices are protected by a resistance that manages the flow by allowing only the small part requested by the device.

To convert an electric charge into thermal energy

This is all the interest of a resistance! When the power of a current passes through a low-value opposition, it converts it into heat. This usually gives the name of resistance to the object and not to the size (electric resistance oven, resistance of hair dryers, electric irons resistance ...). However this feature can benefit in both directions, ie the resistor can also be used to dissipate heat through the use of a high value opposition.

Application to the electronic cigarette

All vape accessories have a resistance for a simple reason, it takes care of heating the liquid.

If we refer to the small electric circuit of the device, here is how it works: the solution to be sprayed is confined in a tank which can be visible or not (atomizer or clearomizer); when the switch (the activation button) is pressed, the battery starts to circulate the current through the base that connects it to the resistor. It is at this moment that by applying the opposition theory, the latter heats and vaporizes the e-liquid according to its value in ohm.

The game of DIY is based on this value that can be increased to dissipate heat and get a small amount of vows, or on the contrary lower for a fast and intense heating.

How to benefit?

We have a lot of advantages over the products of past generations. Today we have the choice to choose between a high or low resistance atomizer, single or double coil and many others.

We can now buy separately the heads of atomizers if we simply want to change the heating effects, which are also sold in great variety.

For the handymen, the virtue of the resistance is in the craft making, giving a greater freedom to the inspiration. Many opportunities are available to those looking for a special and unique sensation of the vape by knitting (it's not a joke for the twisted!) Environment of resistance.

Everything is possible according to your desires

There are many ways to make one's own smoke, but two manipulations are possible.

On the one hand, one can search for flavors by making one's own liquid. The e-liquid DIY is a concept that is no longer new in vapers and the possibilities are endless thanks to the amalgam of the ingredients (base, aroma, nicotine, alcohol ...).

On the other hand, one can build his resistance from accessories easy to find (tools and materials). The important thing is to be able to make a precise setting by knowing what to tinker or not. In terms of possibilities, you can: control the resistivity by changing the nature and shape of the wire, its location and position, and placing a new wick.

Should we buy or rebuild his resistance?

None of these two alternatives is stupid, it is the envy and the possibility of the vaper that will decide.

It is conceivable that people buy a finished product for valid reasons. If we take the example of people who do not have the time or the patience, there is no use to venture into the reconstructible. In addition, enthusiasts will opt for DIY for several reasons:

The problem of ready-to-wear is first and foremost its destination. Resistance is the best-selling vape coin because of its rapid deterioration. The use resistive lasts about two to three weeks before getting dirty. Of course, there are tougher devices based on redesigned materials such as stainless steel alloys and kanthal or with a more advanced installation (Clapton, twisted, parallel, ...), but at a huge price.

Apart from longevity and economy, it's the pleasure of building your device that is fun. Who has not boasted about having made his first run? To have put your mark in the rendering of his vape and to say that it is a unique product?

The examples on YouTube about mods and contests, as well as various forums, reflect this satisfaction. The ability to do this at will makes it a story of passion more than a story of comparison.

I want to tinker with my resistance ! Where to start ?

Use the corresponding tools

Forget needles, adjustable wrenches or scotch right now and do not do it on your bed or in your bathroom! This work of craftsman requires a good organization on a table, with good brightness and especially with good tools. The space and the convenience of the organs of an electronic cigarette do not allow a great freedom of gestures. For that, take care of the good tools:

       ● Use precision pliers to cut the resistive wires. The material (alloy, copper ...) will depend on the metallic nature of the resistance that it is made of iron, kanthal, stainless steel, ... in order to avoid the false cuts. The shape of the clamp should also be proportional to the position of your coil (single or double, high or low). A ceramic clamp will be needed to tighten the wire once wound up to properly distribute the heat.

       ● Use screwdrivers suited to the diameters of the microcoils. This tool is dual-use in construction. First, it is used to unscrew and tighten the screws that hold the resistance, these are usually cruciform. Then, it will serve as a template for the diameter of the turns. For more precision, however, you can use rods specially designed to adjust this size, knowing that an extra micrometer changes a lot of things in such a system. The usual thickness of the wires varies from 1.5 to 2.5 mm at most.

       ● Use precise scissors. The scissors will be useful for cutting the fiber. Do not use the address of your hands to tear the fiber except for cotton. The padding of the resistance must be meticulous and if ever your cut is missed, it will be very difficult to introduce it.

       ● Ohmmeter: this resistance meter is crucial! The R value expressed in ohms must be precise and applied without prejudice in order to reach a positive result. The use of a multimeter can replace it, but it is advisable to get one if you often tinker.

There are also predefined tools, designed specifically for the reconstruction of coils. If you feel the desire to become an expert in the field, find at the sellers the keychains complete mounting accessories containing kits of pliers, scissors, screwdrivers and all kinds of artillery.

Choose materials

This is where everything is played out. The choice of installed elements is as important as the assembly. Each customization depends on the adaptation of the new organs to the desired setting.

The appropriate resistive wire

Plate, round, polygon, ... the thread can take several forms that correspond to a different effect each of the others. What matters is the property it contains which will offer a different reaction to the heating. There are currently several types:

The Kanthal: the most standard

It is found almost everywhere, flexible and malleable, the kanthal is the most used resistive son. It has a controversial property by its weak resistance, but that takes a lot of time to heat. This ability to achieve extreme temperature latent performance, also nicknamed " diesel effect " (powerful but not fast) is a compromise very popular with the experienced vapoteur seeking taste and sensation above all. It is usually mounted in diameter of 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, below it does not burn anything and beyond prepare to quickly fill your tank.

Nickel: heavy and still heavy!

Favorite of extremists, nickel is used for fans of "power vaping". Its principle is simple: Heat quickly and heat very hard! Its resistivity is very low, which allows it to assimilate and spit out the intensity of the current at a very high speed, excellent for professionals of the "subhom".

Stainless steel: Sweet and powerful

It is one of the oldest resistive wires that exist. It is not by his property that he shines but rather by his flexibility. Stainless steel has effects similar to Kanthal but it is less controllable since it can be very expressive (heats up too quickly) and causes damage if you do not pay attention. However, it gains points by its malleability, very flexible, it is the ideal thread for small spaces in search of power.

The Nichrome: Timeless

Very old, it is a very resistant wire and very docile that does not require many precautions. It has a fairly high and rigid resistivity that tends to let the liquid flow (to mark a pungent taste), which no longer place it among the most used today. It is best to mount nichrome when choosing longevity at the expense of quality.

How to choose your fiber?

Fiber is the material that stores (as a second reservoir, but in the very short term) the liquid of vape. Stuffed or wrapped around the resistance, it is on it that the transformation in the gaseous state will be done. Formerly neglected, the choice of the right fiber has become an indispensable criterion of the reconstructible. We will quote here the most known and the most used:

The cotton / fiber debate

Natural, cotton is used for its ease of assembly. Very healthy, it contains no harmful substance, but its disparity can sometimes hinder the vape from a good number of inspiration (we complain especially of its wear after just one or two uses). fiber, which is an industrial product, a little chemical, is also very practical. And it is found everywhere to make a quick coil without difficulty.

In the world of the vape, we often use: The hydrophobic cotton for medical use, the PUFF (Japanese cotton) which protects a little more impurities, the Fiber Freaks which is very famous for electronic cigarettes but which is not very easy to handle, unlike his main rival " cotton bacon " which has almost no defect, and many others ( wicker best , kendo , ...)

In sum, the debate is again based on taste and practicality. Cotton, which cleans and rinses well is cheaper, easy to assemble, but wears out too fast and tends to provide an unpleasant and dry vapor. The fiber on the contrary is very practical, easy to cut, takes a very long time (supports the burn by its denser structure) but does not naturally reflect the taste of the liquid.

How to succeed your coil with the right parameters?

If you have everything in principle and the tools you need, you just have to calculate your customization and learn to manipulate according to the expected result.

Rather fan of taste or sensation?

There are two ways to make a vape unique, either by making the e-liquid or by rigging the resistance. These two operations are very different, but not independent. To put yourself in the bath, DIY is like cooking, it is not enough to mix everything without instructions. In this case, you will have a unique dish, but the taste not very attractive. This is exactly what happens with the vape. We explain to you!

Suppose you want to make a great cake. You do not want to buy from the pastry shop, you'd rather do it yourself. To do this, you will need the right tools (thresher, oven, dosers ...) and ingredients (eggs, butter and everything else). What you need to do next is follow the instructions of the recipe: what to mix with what? What dose of sugar? Finally comes the time of cooking: how long does it take to cook? Does cooking require preheating of the oven? Prefer a fondant or a soft ...? Well, just say that the tools are your e-cigarette, the ingredients are the elements of your liquid (base, flavors, additives ...) and your oven is the resistance! And every time you want to make your own vape,

How to prepare your cooker?

The key is to find the controls and apply the principles. The most important are the ACCUS, ohm's lawand the temperature. Here, it's no longer worth understanding what a resistance is or how it works, you just need to know what happens when you handle it. According to the formula U = R x I (which is not memorized), we can conclude that the resistance coefficient influences the intensity and the potential of an electric current. And that by arranging the formula one can obtain I = U / R. Which simply means that the greater the resistance (the value but not the size), the less power will be supplied and will arrive at low power and vice versa. So if you prefer aggressive vapes that heat up quickly, consider installing a weak resistance. On the other hand, if your preference is towards softness, mount a high resistance.

NB: One must make a nuance on the reports concerning the height and the weakness as well as the size and the smallness of a resistance. The first concern the value as a physical quantity calculated in ohm and the second relate to its physical size. To avoid confusion, think as follows: for a fast and powerful heater, I install a big (size) resistance (the diameter and the number of turns) which will generate a weak (value) resistance. And for a slower and less virulent heating, reduce the size and increase the value.

Some generations of atomizers are however equipped with electronic "mods". These are adjustments ACCUS (electrical values) that do not require a DIY resistance, and are incorporated in the e-cigarette. If your accessory does not benefit from this system, then you are in mechanical mode and the ohmmeter will be your only guide to check the resistance value.

To illustrate an example of a mechanical vape, consider for example a simple mono-coil atomizer with a single resistor and a separate reservoir. The intensity calculation will have to be done manually according to the formula. For a powerful setting, choose a very conductive resistive wire like stainless steel. Since there is only one coil, its surface must be large, more reason to mount a big resistance twisted into 7 or 10 turns (if there is room) of 2.5mm diameter. The rest is limited to the calculation, how many volts does the battery have (voltage) and what intensity does it deliver? These parameters will be measured manually from the ohmmeter, the resistance will be adequate when there will be values ​​on both sides (unbalanced but never zero especially for the resistance) of the ohm law (U = R. I) and that's it. This calculation is important in the sense that your resistance must be limited to a certain limit to avoid short-circuiting the e-cigarette system. It is for this reason besides that one should not enter mod mecan if one is not novice in the field of the ACCUS.

The mounting of the resistance

This is perhaps the most exciting task of coils reconstruction. There is precision, calculation, tests to do and it gives a great pride when finished. Experiments show that the various types of montages vary the behavior of the resistance, and that they can start from a simple hacking to goldsmith work. The single and double coils are the best known, it is enough to apply to wind the son around the rods and to make turns with determined resistance. These are only modes of location that aims for weaker or stronger resistance. The other most common types are:

Parallel or parallel-coil assembly:

It is an assembly that wants to be an alternative to the double coil but that takes up little space. To do this, use 2 resistive wires for the same result. We can even go up to four (quad coil) but it depends on the value of the intensity of the battery since we install a large coil with a large heating surface very low resistance or subohm. To apply it, there is not much to do: you take one or two son and you fold it in half, wind it on the screwdriver or on a diametrically specified rod between 1.5 mm and 2 mm until you get a large coil of 14 or 16 turns (2 parallel wires 8 times). Mount it and check with your ohmmeter resistivity, if the device displays a positive figure is that it's good.

The twist editing:

Here, it's about the same technique, but with a larger heating area and  gaps to keep the liquid. The twist assembly also requires 2 wires which, instead of being  wound side by side, will be braided using a rod or a screwdriver to fix the ends.
When the braid reaches the end of the two wires, wedge it in the axis of the screwdrivers. The goal  is to have a good heating coefficient with low resistance. The corresponding wire is always  1,5 mm kanthal A1, 2 mm or 2.5 mm, not exceeding 8 turns (resistivity limit at 0.28  ohms).

The fused mount:

This is a very interesting system that involves two resistive wires of different nature, such as kanthal associated with nichrome. The goal is to obtain a fair return between the heating rate and the temperature. The fused is also squirming but diagonally or in Clapton. The advantage of this association is the life of the coil that can go from weeks to months. Its longevity is based on its slow and gradual heating and its limited temperature (especially if we use high strength son). The diameters vary from 1.5 mm to 2 mm. It must be ensured that the wires are not too strong otherwise the diesel effect (the latency of the coil to heat up) can hinder the heating.

Precautions and instructions for use of rebuildable atomizers

Despite the articles and help we find everywhere, we can always encounter a problem of inattention with the multitude of parameters that must be taken into account. Sometimes even the experienced encounters troubles and incidents that are hard to solve. It is in this sense that a kind of check-list, a logic must be drawn up for the hacks of the reconstructible.

To begin, you have to consider the risks. The dangers of the rebuildable are the worst hardware for the mod electro, and it's still a shame to want to improve its coil and end up buying a new one for small handling errors. For mechanics, you have to be extra vigilant because an explosion due to too high intensity can burst your device and may hurt someone especially when rebuilding resistance, where we touch fragile and tiny very volatile organs. During the operation, attention should be paid to symptoms such as leaks, hot spots (which never mean anything good), short circuit, or dry-hit (the channel that connects the liquid to the wick is obstructed while the heater is heating up).

Then, check and recheck the installations before closing them or starting the accessory. The most essential point is always the electric circuit. The ambition to want to do too much often misleads the mechanical modellers, who make them forget the limits imposed by the manufacturers (It must be ensured that the installed resistance is suitable for the programming of the batteries).

In the search for the right heating configuration, you are invited to touch the coil several times in order to reach the ideal value. To do this, double check your ohmmeter again before closing the lid. Screw the pins on which the ends of the resistive wire are fixed before placing the device on the poles. Tighten with a ceramic clamp the turns of your fixtures, because if at the time you tested them, they made the right value, they can deviate from each other and lose the heating surface, which unfortunately will force you to start all over again.

Finally, make sure the material you use is suitable for the liquid you want to vape. Dose well your configurations to the image of the result that you aspire to reach, that is to say that it is necessary to take into account the aspect of the liquid like that of the synergistic resistance without needing to push the two until to extreme possibilities.

That's all ! You are now ready to play your first match in the big leagues.
Then enjoy this feeling of work well done with passion and panache when you have made your first coil! Explore new possibilities to become a true master of the rebuildable.